"How about you?" I ask. "Any... plans for a werewolf companion yet?"
"Seriously?" she rolls her eyes. "Now you're the one trying to give me dating advice?"
"Why not?" I laugh. "You're a single nurse, quite sexy, and pretty bossy too. I know some guys out there would love that. Oh, and a redhead. Do you have any idea how popular redheads are?"
"If you want me to kick you out, you win," she growls. "Get out of here before I kick your witchy butt."
I laugh still and get up, my eyebrow all stitched up and covered in smelly disinfectant. I'm still in need of a shower, but at least that's one less part of my poor body hurting... I turn to Bonnie who's gathering the dirty compress and cleaning up.
"...Thanks, Bonnie."
"Moon Goddess, don't do that. Get out!"
"Bye, Bonnie!" I chuckle, leaving the room with a smile on my lips.
I get back into the maze of white corridors, strangely silent despite all the activity going on behind doors. It's strange how different I feel compared to a few weeks ago. I was in such a hurry to leave this hospital and see Silver City, but now, I feel like... it doesn't really matter anymore. Here or outside, I belong to Silver City. It's not going anywhere, but it's not waiting for me either. This place will be here wherever I go...
I slowly make my way out of the hospital, greeted by a few wolves on the way, thanking the medical staff I see, and buying myself a hot drink at the vending machine as soon as I'm outside. I pick a hot coffee, strong and bitter, just what I need to wake myself up. It's still a bit cold outside at this hour, and I don't even have a jacket... Still, I walk away from the hospital, enjoying the cold wind on my skin, and the first lines of purple in the sky. As soon as I'm a few streets away and I silence my inner wolf, there's nothing but silence... We're too far from the city center to hear the first cars, and there's nothing but some grass around. I cross the river, my eyes set on the horizon, in a strange but relieved mood. It's really over... It's over this time, isn't it, Luna? I really hope she got to a nice place, and saw her friend and mate again. Perhaps with Sylviana too. That would be nice...
“Hey, babe?” I call out, a smile on my lips.
“Morning, hot stuff!”
“How are you feeling?”
“Strangely fine. Still unsure what happened, I feel... reborn, if that makes any sense... How about you?”
“I'm okay. ....Wanna grab some breakfast?”
“I'm starving. I always am. What do you want?”
“...Cheeseburgers?”
“That's my girl. Cheeseburgers it is, then!”
“Let's meet at the apartment? Mine, not yours. I'm grabbing the coffees, you bring the food.”
“I like the sound of that!”
I smile. Liam doesn't know yet how right he is... I'm still not sure if I should tell him. Whenever I do, it's going to be a long and painful conversation... I still ought to, though. I take another deep breath and glance at the sun, already rising behind the skyline. Well, good morning to you too, Silver City...
I keep walking, trying to sort my thoughts, what I am going to tell my mate and how. The more I walk, though, the more I realize how tired and sore I am. Each step sends a wave of pain to various areas of my body, making me grimace. I really could use a shower... I stop at the coffee place downstairs, glad that I found my jacket after the fight. I just have enough cash on me for our coffees, but from my poor state and the way I am ruining the entrance, the lady behind the counter must feel a bit sorry because she adds in a couple of cookies with a wink. I thank her with the best smile I can muster and leave. Perhaps she heard what happened at East Point Ground too by now... It's odd how life goes on no matter what. It doesn't really matter how injured Silver City is. People go to work, pour coffees, and resume their daily life. Some might be in the hospital with their loved ones, but... for the rest of the population, the world just has to keep spinning as it should.
I can't help myself and start nibbling on my cookie even before I reach the elevator. The chocolate bar from before wasn't enough, I'm starving... I hope he arrives quickly with those burgers.
I knew the apartment would be empty, but it still feels strange to come home alone, so early... I'm already missing Kelsi's positive energy and Ben's furry butt on the couch. I take a deep breath anyway, and leave the coffees on the kitchen counter, going to the bathroom while licking the leftovers of my cookie off my fingers. Liam was on the other side of Silver City, I should have some time to shower if he’s getting those cheeseburgers... Will he find something open so early? I get rid of my clothes on the bathroom floor and grab some clean underwear before I dirty anything else. Damn, I'd better wash all this or throw it away before Kelsi sees it, she's not going to like this mess at all...
I step into the shower and turn the tap to the maximum pressure, using cold water only. Moon Goddess, that feels so good after the crazy night I just had. I stretch my neck and shoulders a little, but really, every single muscle of my body hates me right now. I take several deep breaths, watching the mud and blood run down the drain. I'm so tired, I could take a nap right here. Still, I try to simply wash everything away, the dirt and the fatigue. At least, I do feel refreshed after a few more minutes under the shower. I thoroughly wash my hair, my face, and my body, careful about my injuries. I can't help but grimace around my belly area... Bonnie was right, there's definitely a broken rib or two in there under those nasty dark bruises...
Suddenly, while I'm groaning and trying to wash my flank without straining something already injured, I feel someone behind me. I smile as I feel his arms gently come around my shoulders.
"Damn, I don't like to see you all hurt like this," he groans, putting his head against my neck.
I smile, and run my fingers through his hair. I can feel his slow breathing against my skin, as if to remind me he is really here, with me...
"Good morning, hot stuff," I chuckle.
"Mornin'..."
